Package



Oct. 31, 1939. J. A. SCHWANTES 2,177,999

PACKAGE 2 Sheets-sheet 1- Filed Jan. 31, 1936 i INVENTIOR Julius/1Sdm'aiziz;

ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1939. J. A SCHWANTES 2 9 9 PACKAGE Filed Jan. 31,1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Q INVENTOR 7 Julius A! Jz/zmfiies ATTQRNEYSPatented Oct. 31, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PACKAGE DelawareApplication January 31, 1936, Serial No. 61,645

6 Claims.

This invention relates to packages, and more particularly to an improvedmerchandising package which is simple in construction, inexpensive tomanufacture, neat and attractive in appear- 5 ance, which fully protectsthe contents during shipment and handling, and which may be assembledand packed rapidly and economically, substantially entirely by automaticmachinery.

According to the present invention, the imlO proved merchandisingpackage comprises a shell or container assembled from a single blank ofpaperboard material, and which, when assembled, is rigid and strong andfully supports and protects the article packed therein. The assembled l5shell has substantially smooth, interior wall surfaces which permit therapid insertion of the article therein without obstruction, interferenceor damage to the article during insertion. Prior to inserting thearticle into the shell, it is prefer- 20 ably enclosed in, a suitablewrapper, so made as to neatly surround the article and cushion the sameagainst the damaging effects of jolts and jars when contained within theshell. The shell,

made in accordance with this invention, is susceptible of being formedinto various distinctive prismatic shapes, other than the customarypara1lel-,

opiped shape used in packaging. The completed package thus possesses astriking appearance, and an attractive sales appeal. The shell, when 30packed and sealed, may, if desired, be enclosed within an attractivewrapper which is folded in such a manner as to neatly surround theshell, and at the sametime permit application thereof by automaticmachinery.

The shell is adapted to be formed from a single blank of paperboardmaterial which may be cut and scored by means of automatic machinery,with very little waste of material, and may be assembled with a minimumof gluing operations. Means are provided to permit quick and readyaccessto the contents when the same are to be removed for use, but whichis so sealed as to prevent the contents from being removed and replaced,or otherwise tampered with, without 5 leaving visible evidence that suchtampering has taken place.

' The merchandising package which is the subject matter of thisinvention is especially adapted to the packaging of soap cakes andsimilar articles which possess oval or other irregular shapes which makethem otherwise difficult to package.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification,certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for purposes ofexplanation, but it will be understood that the details may be modifiedin various respects without departure from the broad aspect of theinvention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a blank which has been suitably cut and scored andready to be formed into a shell or container;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the inner wrapper about to be applied tothe article packaged;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled shell with the wrappedarticle in position to be inserted therein;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the shell as it appears when partiallypacked and partially closed;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the outer wrapper about to be appliedtothe closed shell;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the completed, fully assembled package;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which thepackage may be opened to obtain access to the contents; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view showing a portion of a modified form ofblank.

According to the present invention the article I, either of regular orirregular shape, is preferably enveloped in an inner wrapper 2, thewrapped article then inserted into a relatively rigid shell 3 and theshell sealed and wrapped in a relatively flexible outer wrapper 4 toconstitute the complete merchandising package 5.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1,-a blank ID of paperboard materialis cut and scored suitably for forming a shell preferably havingsufflcient strength and rigidity to maintain a predetermined shape. Theblank may comprise a side wall or front section II, a bottom section I2,

9. side wall or back section l3 and a top sectionl4. The front sectionII preferably is rectangular, and has laterally extending end wall flapsI5.

Each flap may be integrally attached to the front section II by a narrowsection or bevel section I 6 defined by longitudinal hinge or scorelines I! and i8, or other portion of increased flexibility. Althoughreference is made to score lines, the desired increased flexibility maybe provided in other ways without departing from the scope of theinvention.

Extending from the end of each flap is a tuckin tab l9 bendable about ascore line 20, and preferably of slightly less width than the bevelsection l6 so that the edge 2! is in alignment with the bevel. The edge2| has an inwardly curved portion 22, and the tab l9 at its point ofattachment to the flap i5 is substantially equal to the width of theflap.

ably is slightly narrower than the front section I I, thus providingfree edges 28. Spaced parallel lines of perforations may be provided inthe tongue 25 extending perpendicularly to the score line 21, andcrossing the same, and a semicircular score line 30 may be provided inthe front section II in continuation of thelines 29 and definingtherewith a break-out portion 3 I.

The bottom section I2, which may be generally rectangular, may beintegrally attached to the front section II and bendable about a scoreline 35, and may be slightly wider than the front section I I, with theside edges in alignment with the central 7 portions of the bevel sectionIT. The bottom section I2 preferably is attached to the front section II over a distance substantially equal to the width of the front sectionII. Triangular fold-in tabs 31 extend laterally from the bottom sectionI2, and are bendable about score lines 40, each tab 31 having a frontedge 38 perpendicular to the score line 40, and a rear edge 39 inclinedto the line 40. Each tab 3I,preferably, is attached to the bottomsection I2 over less than the width of the corresponding edge of thebottom section I2, and the corners 36 and 42 of the bottom section I2are rounded.

Integrally attached to the bottom I2 along a score line M, is arectangular back section I3 similar to the front section I I. Laterallyextending from the back section I3 are end wall flaps 45, each of whichpreferably is attached by a longitudinal bevel section 41 defined byscore lines 48 and 49. The flaps 45 are generally rectangular and eachhas an inclined lower edge 46 extending to the score line 48. Each flap45 terminates short of the end of the back section I3, and theupper-edge 50 of each bevel section 41 is inclined.

Integrally secured to the free end of the back section I3 is a topsection I4 bendable about a score line 55, and having a generallyrectangular shape similar to that of the bottom section I2, the corners56 and 51 being rounded similarly to those of the bottom.

The blank may be set up to form a shell of self-sustaining form bybending up the flaps 45 along score lines 49, and the tabs 31 'alonglines 40, and bending the back section I3 along the score line H and thefront section II along the score line 35. The flats I5 are then bent upalong lines I8, and secured to the flaps 45 and tabs 31, preferably bypasting or gluing. It will be noted that each tab 3'! is complementaryto the corresponding flap 45 and the edges 39 lie adjacent the edges 46,whereby each flap 45 and corresponding tab 31, together with the flapI5, constitute a generally rectangular wall of double thickness andhaving a substantially smooth interior face. The'edges 39 and 46 mayabut over at least a portion of their length and thus reinforce thecontainer adjacent the bottom. The four walls upstanding from the bottomof the container may be designated generally as side walls, and theseveral sections of the blank which form these walls may be designatedas side wall sections.

The front section II, the rear section I3, and the tabs 31 are connectedto the corresponding edge portions of the bottom section over less thanthe length thereof to leave exposed corner edges 38 and 42. Preferablythe corners 36 and 42 are rounded and, when the container is set up, are

adapted to abut the adjacent bevel sections I6 and 41 to provide asupport for the forming of the bevel sections I6 and 41 into roundededges. The score lines I'I, I8, and 48, 49 permit the bevel sections I6and 41 to conform to the shape of the corners 36 and 42.

Where the corners 36 and 42 are rounded, as shown in Fig. l, the bevelsections will be formed into generally rounded edges. However, ifdesired, other shapes may be given to the corners of the bottom sectionto cause the bevel sections to assume other than rounded shapes. Forexample, in Fig. 8 is shown a blank III], which may be generally similarto the blank I0, except that the corners I36 and I42 of the bottomsection II2 are cut off angularly. The blank IIII may be set up in amanner similar to that above described, to form a container (not shown),and the bevel sections H6 and H1 abut the edges of the corners I36 andI42, and are given the shape of a flat angular bevel. It will thus beapparent that various attractive shapes may be given to a container byvarying the relative sizes and shapes of the end-wall sections andcooperating side-wall sections. By providing a container wherein theedges take the form of rounded or flat bevels, it is possible to form ashell having a more attractive or otherwise more desirable shape than ifthe edges are formed without bevels.

One or more of the operations of setting up the blank and inserting thearticle to be packaged may be carried out simultaneously, and theseoperations may be carried out either manually or partially orsubstantially entirely by the use of suitable automatic machines (notshown).

For the purpose of illustration, a package is shown containing a flat,solid article of oval crosssection, as for example a soap cake ortablet. The wrapper 2 may be a sheet of airand moisture-proof materialsuch as waxed paper, transparent cellulosic material, or other suitablematerial; the material generally will be dependent upon the nature ofthe article. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to insert thearticle in the shell without providing any inner wrapper.

The article I, either with or without an inner wraper, may be insertedin the open .end of the partially assembled shell or container 3, asillustrated in Fig. 3. Thereafter the tabs I9 are bent down to overliethe end of the shell, and the 5 tongue 25 bent down to overlie the tabsI9. The shell 3 is closed and sealed by bending down the top section I4and securing it to the tongue 25, preferably by an adhesive such aspaste, glue or other material, to form a closed top wall opposite outleaving evidence of having been tampered with, thereby preventingremoval and substitution of the contents.

The shell 3 may then be wrapped in an outer flexible wrapper 4 which maybe sheet material such as paper, transparent cellulosic sheet materialeither single thickness or laminated, or other flexible material whichmay be suitably printed,

engraved, embossed or otherwise decorated, if desired, to present anattractive appearance. The outer wrapper 4 may be applied in the usualmanner of wrapping packages by overlapping and folding the same to formoverlappingflaps 60 and 6|, which may be secured together, preferably byan adhesive.

The package'may be opened by removing the outer wrapper 4, or a. portionthereof, and severing the shell along the perforated line 30, by meansof the fingernail of the user, or by exerting pressure on the break-outportion 3|, whereafter the top section I may be raised to cause thetongue 25 to be torn along the lines 10, thus permitting the separationof the top from the tongue. A portion II of the tongue adheres to thetop section I, and the attached break-out portion 3| constitutes a tabor handle for assisting in raising the top. The tabs i 9 do not adhereto the top section II sufliciently to resist appreciably the openingmovement of the top section I4.

The provision of a container or shell which is of such construction andrigidity that it will retain a predetermined shape, will permit thecommodity when enclosed in the shell to be easily and neatly enclosed ina wrapper or envelope of relatively flexible material. Thus thecommodity, even though of irregular shape, may be wrapped in anattractive wrapper, such as a previously decorated sheet of paper orother wrapper, without any unsightly wrinkles or folds.

The use of a shell having beveled or rounded edges, provides a packageof neat appearance, and

permits the same to be wrapped readily in ,a

- article or the inner wrapper being damaged dur-' ing insertion intothe shell, and prevents obstruction to the entry of the article eventhough it may be substantially as large as the inside dimension of thecontainer. The provision of the complementary portions for forming aside' wall in the manner employed in the present invention also providesa'certain amount of reinforcing of the adjacent portions of thecontainer.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed andare pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood thatvarious omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A container-forming blank 01' paperboard material including, a bottomsection, side wall sections hinged to said bottom section along oppositesides thereof, generally triangular shaped tabs hinged to said bottomsection along opposite ends thereof, said bottom section having a freebeveled corner intermediate each tab and side wall section, and a pairof end wall flaps carried by .each of said side wall sections andhingedly connected thereto by corner formations, one pair of said endwall flaps having a beveled edge at one end of each flap adapted to abutthe adia cent edge of the adjacent triangular tab when the container isassembled, each of said corner formations comprising a relatively narrowpanel bounded by two hinge lines connecting the panel to the adjacentendwall flap and the adjacent side Wall section, each of said corner panelshaving a width corresponding to the adjacent beveled corner of saidbottom section.

2. A paperboard blank for forming a container including, a bottomsection, side wall sections hinged to said bottom section along.opposite sides thereof, tabs hinged to said bottom section alongopposite ends thereof, said bottom section having a free beveled cornerintermediate each tab and side wall section, a pair of end wall flapscarried by' each of said side wall sections and hingedly connectedthereto by corner formations, each of said-corner formations comprisinga relatively narrow panel bounded by hinge lines connecting the same tothe adjacent end wall flap and the adjacent side wall.section, each ofsaid corner panels having a width and contour substantiallycorresponding to the adjacent beveled corner of said bottom section, atuck-in tab extending from one end of each of two end wall flaps, eachof said tuck-in tabs having a free beveled corner generally similar inshape and contour to the corresponding beveled corner of said bottomsection, and a cover section hinged to one of said side wall sections.

3. A container formed from asingle blank of paperboard materialincluding, a bottom section, side wall sections hinged to said bottomsection along opposite sides thereof, generally triangular shapedfold-in tabs hinged to said bottom section along opposite ends thereof,said bottom section having a free beveled corner intermediate each taband side wall section, a pair of end wall flaps carried by each of saidside wall sections and hingedly connected thereto by corner formations,one pair of said end wall flaps having a beveled edge at one end of eachflap adapted to abut the adjacent edge of the adjacent triangular tab,each of said corner formations comprising a relatively narrow panelbounded by hinge lines connecting the panel to the adjacent end wallflap and the adjacent side wall section, each of said corner panelshaving a width and contour generally corresponding to the adjacentbeveled corner of said bottom section.

4. A package for an article of merchandise including, a relatively rigidcontainer body and a wrapper enclosing said body, said container bodyincluding, a bottom section, side wall sections hinged to said bottomsection along opposite sides thereof, fold-in tabs hinged to said bottomsection along opposite ends thereof, said bottom section having a freebeveled corner intermediate each tab and side wall section, a pair ofend wall flaps carried by each of said side wall sections and hingedlyconnected thereto by corner formations, each of said corner formationscomprising a relatively narrow panel bounded by hinge lines connectingthe same to the adjacent end wall flap and the adjacent side wall secandcontour generally corresponding to the adjacent beveled corner of saidbottom section, adjacent end wall flaps being secured together inoverlapping relationship to provide end walls, an inwardly projectingtuck-in tab hinged to the cover end of each of two end' wall fiaps,and acover section hinged to one of said side wall sections generallycorresponding in shape and size to said bottom section, each of saidtuck-in tabs 65 tion,-each of said cornerpanels having a width having afree beveled corner generally similar ln shape and contour to thecorresponding beveled corner of said bottom section, said body enclosingwrapper closely conforming to the side and end wall sections andintermediate beveled corner formations of said container body, the endportions of said wrapper being folded in overlapping relationship acrossthe bottom and cover sections of the container body.

5.'A container-forming blank of. paperboard material including, a bottomsection, side wall sections hinged to said bottom section along oppositesides thereof, fold-in tabs hinged to said bottom section along oppositeends thereof, said bottom section having a free beveled cornerintermediate each tab and side wall section, and a pair of end wallflaps carried by each of said side wall sections and hlngedly connectedthereto by corner formations, each of said corner formations comprisinga relatively narrow panel bounded. by hinge lines connecting the same tothe adjacent end wall flap and the adjacent side wall section, each ofsaid corner panels having a width and contour generally corresponding tothe ad- 'jacent beveled corner of said bottom section,

and a tuck-in tab extending from one end of each of two end wall flaps,each of said tuck-in tabs having a free beveled corner generally similarin shape and contour to the corresponding beveled corner of. said bottomsection.

6. A container formed from a single blank or paperboard materialincluding, a bottom section, side wall sections hinged to said bottomsection along opposite sides thereof, fold-in tabs hinged to said bottomsection along opposite ends thereof, said bottom section having a freebeveled flaps, and a cover section hinged to one of said side wallsections for closing the container, each of said tuck-in tabs having afree beveled corner generally similar in shape and contour to thecorresponding beveled corner of said bottom section adapted to abut theinterior surface of the adjacent corner formation.

JULIUS A. SCHWAN'I'ES.

